US Recalls M&M’s Bags over Allergy Risk

Authorities in the United States have recalled more than 6,000 bags of repackaged M&M’s after a labelling error that could pose a serious, potentially life-threatening risk to people with food allergies.

The Food and Drug Administration said the recall involves M&M’s products repackaged by Beacon Promotions, which failed to include mandatory allergen warnings on the outer packaging. The candies contain milk, soy and peanuts, but these ingredients were not listed on the bags, exposing allergy sufferers to the risk of severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

The recall covers 1.3 ounce bags of peanut and classic M&M’s produced for corporate promotions and events rather than retail sale. The products were distributed across 20 US states, including California, Texas, Florida and New York.

Recalled peanut M&M’s can be identified by the Make Your Mark label, batch code M1823200 and a best before date of April 30, 2026. The classic M&M’s were issued with customized corporate labels for organizations such as Subaru, Adobe, Xfinity and Morgan Stanley, along with specific batch codes and expiry dates listed in the official recall notice.

Beacon Promotions initiated the recall on January 26. On February 4, the FDA classified it as a Class II recall, indicating that use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, with a low probability of serious harm.

Health officials warned that consuming the affected products could trigger serious allergic reactions, including skin rashes, swelling, breathing difficulties and rapid onset anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal within minutes. People with milk, peanut or soy allergies have been advised not to consume the candies and to dispose of them immediately.

Milk allergies can lead to severe reactions involving vomiting, wheezing, swelling and dangerous drops in blood pressure. Peanut allergies are particularly high risk, as even minimal exposure can cause rapid, whole body reactions requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine. Soy allergies may cause skin, digestive and respiratory symptoms and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Beacon Promotions, based in Minnesota, specializes in customized promotional products featuring client branding, including personalized M&M’s packaging. Companies and institutions that received the recalled items reportedly include Subaru, Morgan Stanley, Adobe, Xfinity, Best Western and universities such as the University of Maryland and Liberty University.

The FDA said it continues to monitor the recall to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation.